How dark is the olive drab? + zinc question.

[jbvan]

Hi. I've purchaced the zinc plating kit and the yellow chromate as well. I have two questions. The zinc is plating ok, but some pieces come out nice and bright, and some (same item) come out like they were copy cad. I have added brightener and still no difference. Sometimes I will plate two identical items and one will be great while one has the copy cad kind of whitish look to it. Any ideas
I would like to redo some hardware on an older Jap motorcycle. Bolts, nuts, small brackets. At first glance They look black, but in the right light they are definitly dark green. Would your olive drab solution give a very dark, almost black finish on a fresh zinc plating? Thanks for your time.
Jim VanAlstyne

[mcaswell]

Post a problem report on PRS if you're having difficulty getting the right finish. You must be doing something differently...power, temperature or surface prep...that's causing the differences in finish.

The Olive Drab will give an Olive Green finish, like an Army Jeep Green.

We have a black chromate as well.

[jbvan]

Thanks for the reply on my questions. I'll review my temps, etc on the zinc tank. But tell me more about the "black chromate" you mentioned. Is this the same as black oxide, or is it a chromate finish that converts a zinc plate to black? Would it be suitable for a motorcycle, that is, would it stand up to the elements without rusting alright? I couldn't find a black chromate on your site. Thanks.
Jim VanAlstyne

[mcaswell]

You'll find all of your answers here

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/zinc_black.htm

[jbvan]

Great! This sounds perfect for blackening motorcycle hardware. The stuff won't rust either! Perfect. I'll order some on Monday from McMillens in Ontario.
Thanks again!
Jim VanAlstyne